Last week my focus was on Worship Fully and we spent time with the Magi. I also showed this video at the beginning of the message. Please take a moment to view it. This week’s theme from Advent Conspiracy is Spend Less. In this day and age, it is hard for many people to fathom spending less. I am familiar with one man who has already spent over $200 on his wife and is not done yet! And he complains about their finances??? Jo & I will barely spend much more than that on our whole family, let alone on just us two! Last year I asked my girls not to give me anything for Christmas and while that was a laudable idea, it really took some of the joy out of them buying something. For several years I asked that a donation be given to an organization of my choice with a note attached saying so. (Pet peeve time: no acknowledgment came thanking either them or me for the gift. I find that wrong. Pet peeve time over)
Okay to the task at hand. With all that we do spend on Christmas, it is hard to imagine how that much less was spent on a child than Jesus. True, his parents were poor. The humble beginnings in a stable manger do not shout “Hey look at me! I am going to change the world!” No birth announcements were sent out- unless you count the one to the shepherds on the hillside. ‘Course that is the birth announcement to beat all birth announcements. 🙂 His birth lights up the stage. My purpose this Sunday is draw total focus to the baby. My first task will be to draw attention to the conditions of His birth. Did you ever read Galatians 4:4-5 and think about that phrase “But when the fullness of time had come”? What does that mean? And when it says “born of a woman” that opens up a short discussion about something I believe very, very strongly (did I say very?) in: the Virgin Birth of Christ. I know you may disagree with me but that is what I call a non-negotiable. In some circles they would say it is a deal-breaker. I don’t venerate Mary as some do but I do place a strong emphasis on the Virgin Birth.
My final thought is something I am excited about (and can’t wait to talk about this Sunday and then in January when I begin a series on it): the Centrality of Christ. The names given to Jesus were not just names His Father found in a baby book. The name “Jesus” and “Immanuel” are powerful names with a rich story.
This story of the birth and names of Jesus leaves us with some meaningful truths:
- It means we are far more precious to God than we could ever imagine.
- It means there is far more to celebrate than we thought.
- It means that we will never be alone.
When you think about the birth of Jesus, what stands out to you? Do any of the above three truths resonate within you? If so, would you mind sharing with me/us why it does? If you do, I may share your story this coming Sunday during my message (no name just story). Thanks for your input.
Thanks for your prayers. And, as always, thanks to Dan for the banner.
Wish I was there to hear this week’s sermon- guess I will have to settle for listening online at some point.
For me- it’s the first one- so many times society (and even people we know) place so much value on self-esteem, looking a certain way, etc that it really gives a sense of unworthiness. The first truth you mention- wipes that all away (and it’s also something that I have come to grips with over the last couple of weeks- as you know). My “worthiness” doesn’t come from anyone other than God- and THAT is all I need to know… Love you- see you soon!
I think you already know how important you are to me and mom. You are right. Our “worthiness” doesn’t come from anyone but God. Can’t wait to see you again. Love you much.
As always my prayers are with you Bill.
The banner is amazing as well.
Thanks on both counts Michael. Praying for you as well.
I think Christmas can be a very stressful time for a lot of people. Particularly young couples with multiple relatives. Trying to meet everyone’s expectations and not leave anyone out can be a logistical nightmare for some. I have for many years, and all of my relatives understand, avoided Christmas. I buy no presents and I expect no presents. I do like to donate to the Salvation Army and maybe sponsor a family or other such opportunity like that.
I will buy presents for people(my kids mostly) when I see something they need or would like. This can occur at anytime throughout the year. Don’t think I am a cheapskate.
My kids are told to come see me in Jan. or Feb. when all the noise dies down.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas Season and spends more time contempleting the true meaning you speak about.
I hope and expect your Sunday message will help keep the focus where it should be.
Jeff: I certainly agree that Christmas for many is a stressful time. That is so sad because it should be the opposite. Like you I prefer to do things all year long. I will try, with the Lord’s help, to keep the focus where it belongs. Thanks.
I don’t know who would disagree with the virgin birth……that’s not something that’s ever been a question to me. What stands out to me when I think of the birth of Jesus is…..wow, God sent His son as a gift for me, I am so unworthy of such a gift & who am I to turn my back on this gift? Jesus is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving! Those 3 truths you mentioned make me stop & really think & believe. The first one I, like Tami have to come to terms with. Great post Bill, wish I could hear these messages. Would love to hear the story behind the names “JESUS” and “IMMANUEL”.
Keeping you in my prayers….have a blessed weekend. 🙂
You would be surprised who would disagree Jan. Many church people and even clergy do not find it that important of an issue nor do they think it is that important to believe. Ah yeah…I have a problem with that. Thanks for the kind words Jan. You can listen to it online at ovcf.org but who am I to toot my own horn? 😛 Thanks for the prayers.
When I look at Christmas I see so many amazing things – like the virgin conception (Virgin Birth and by the way a belief that I too am strong about), but for me I think of how the Child was born to die for me. It is overwhelming!
All three points you list resonate with me because they all fit into the Child being born to die for me in that it makes is so precious,it gives so much to celebrate, and because He did die for me I never will be alone!
Sounds like a great message and praying for God results through it!
Thanks Jim. It is overwhelming to think He died for me. I know I don’t deserve it. Thanks for the prayers.
Bill
Your questions:
1.the birth of Jesus, what stands out to me? That star, and how they followed it, and how it led, and how I want Him to lead me.
2.any of the above three truths resonate? Yes, the right time thing, a hundred years before or after would have been too early or too late, the Greek language, the Pax Romana, the fall of Jerusalem in 70A.D., the way the Jewish people and their “one God” thing, had been spread through the Empire, paving the way for Paul, the way the Greek philosophers were challenging the ideas of the many gods with the idea of ONE God – so many things falling into place where just before or just after and none of it could have happened. God’s timing is always perfect and I need to trust it more.
3.And sure – share away – all copyrights ceded to you 🙂
God Bless and Keep Bill
Craig: want to come and preach for me Sunday? You took some of my thoughts. It never ceases to amaze me about how God brought all things to a head at just the right time. He is truly God!! Thanks for coming by.
The humility of our Savior, that He would come in the form of a child. It is a most powerful thought to me.
Amen Julie. Not much else to say.
Hi Bill,
You said in your blog ‘My purpose this Sunday is draw total focus to the baby’.
I’m with Craig on the ‘fullness of time thing’ Amazing.
I think of the child, Jesus. When did he find out who he was? Did he always know? Scriptures say that by aged 12 he knew that God was his father. How old was he when he started seeing himself in the Scriptures?
When did he find out that his purpose for being was to die? He knows that fact when his ministry begins. How old was he when he understood this from the Scriptures?
No miracles are reported being done by the child, Jesus, as he was growing up. Why? His ministry doesn’t begin until he is nearly 30 years old. Why no miracles by him up till then?
His knowledge of the Scriptures and of God was growing exponentially. He was amazing the Teachers of the Law and the Pharises at 12 years old in the Jerusalem temple.
Was he a perfect child? Did his mother spank him for being difficult and childish?
The Bible says he was fully God and fully man. How was it living with this mix in his life? What does fully God mean for a child (Jesus) on earth?
His walk was one of faith , I think as a human being. The Bible says that Jesus has the pre-eminance in everything. I would assume that includes faith and belief in an unseen God?
Moses was raised in Pharoah’s house with privilege and status.
Jesus was raised by 2 young poor people from the backwoods.
God wants to save us. He gave his Son to make the way.
The Bible says “Small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and there are few that find it” That is startling.
We need to take our salvation much more seriously and guard it much more preciously.
Linda: well put. You have just showed the vast difference and uniqueness of Christ. Thanks
Bill,
You said:
“I know you may disagree with me but that is what I call a non-negotiable. In some circles they would say it is a deal-breaker. I don’t venerate Mary as some do but I do place a strong emphasis on the Virgin Birth.”
————-
I find this peculiar, indeed. Not YOU, no, but that some folks, who I am presuming are Christians and that you know, would take issue with the Virgin Birth.
Really? Wow. I am shocked stupid, here.
As to what I think of the birth of Jesus:
The loudest battle cry ever was not a warrior pounding his chest. It was the first cry of our Savior resonating out into the night air. Jesus had arrived. Things would never be the same again.
Sure, He was probably cold, hungry, and as frail as any of us would be, but He came to set things right, once and for all. Could you imagine what Joseph was thinking? Talk about pressure! Yikes! His child was the very Son of God. This would make for some interesting PTA meetings, I gotta tell ya! 🙂
I would love to read your notes on this upcoming sermon, Bill.
Love it.
Donald: I know it sounds incredible but several things stand out. I did have a man who had come out of atheism say he didn’t buy it. But you also need to check out some of the Emergent people (Bell, MacLaren, Jones, etc) to see that the VB is really a non-essential to some of them. As for the notes: podcast can be heard on the church’s site and I can attach notes to an email. Thanks for taking the time to contribute.
Bill,
Once you mentioned “Emergent”, a little bile rose up in my throat. Say no more. Now it makes sense.
I shall mosey on over to your church site and check it out.
Donald in Bethel, CT
Yep, you got it.
“And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:18-19
There was quite a buzz going around about Jesus’ birth. When the angels appeared and the glory of the Lord shone down, the shepherds found the Baby in Bethlehem and it all checked out. They spread the word, and people were blown away.
Years later, when the adult Jesus went public with his ministry, the response was not, “We’ve been waiting for you.” The response was, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” (Luke 4:22). They had forgotten.
But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. “Treasured up” means that she prized and guarded and preserved in her thoughts everything that happened. “Pondering” means that she began connecting the dots between the Old Testament prophecies and now these astounding events, reaching by faith for what it all meant.
The crowds were fascinated. That was not wrong. It was right. But it didn’t last. And it didn’t change them. But Mary went into sustained reflection and meditation and growing understanding.
Thanks Ike for the contribution to this whole story. Mary’s heard for treasuring and pondering is one we should all desire.
Hi Bill,
You said,
•”It means we are far more precious to God than we could ever imagine”.
I think this is very true. I think we ‘get it’ but we don’t get it. I think if we really ‘got it’ we would be so tuned in to God in our lives that our evil human desires would have been put under many years ago.
Yes, the Bible says that our human desires are ‘evil’ ,there’s nothing good in them. I Peter 4:2. I think that Christmas is a time when we can reflect and meditate on our amazing Saviour and our soon coming Lord and Judge. When He comes his reward is with Him the Bible says.
I heard some Christmas carols in a store today singing about the Christ. It’s a time of year when the Nativity scenes come out, and people are reminded that there is an important event that is celebrated by Christians at this time of year.
I like the Christmas plays that children do, and the singing Christmas Trees that churches sometimes do at this time of year for the community.
The Christmas celebration dinners, and the dressing up. The festivity of the season and the decorations (as long as they are not gaudy and overdone, like those in the video you link to in this blog post.)
My belief is that gift giving should not be front and center unless it is small gifts given out into the community to show ‘thanks, and appreciation’. I plan to purchasse several boxes of chocolates and such and go out delivering them to the libraries and the people there who have been helpful to me this past year in my legal work. Letting me use their coffee machine, them keeping a record of my expenses for copying and printing’ etc. etc.
This is a time when Sunday school teachers can be acknowledged and thanked by students and parents. When Pastors and other church leadership can be thanked and acknowledged for their work. When public school teachers can be shown appreciation and businesses that we do business with that have been good to us in one way or another that we want to say ‘thank you’ to.
Christmas is a reason and an excuse for doing things we can’t really do as easily the rest of the year, and these things are accepted well by other people at Christmas.
Julie’s testimony of her 2 sons and their excitement about the ‘goat and cow’ project for poor villages in other countries to celebrate their family Christmas really ministered to me. I think about it quite a bit.
Spending less. I don’t know if we actually need to spend less, just spend alot less on us. We don’t have to follow the insatiable gluttony of buying everything in sight at stores for ourselves and our family at Christmas. We can make it something different.
<<Caroling at nursing homes with a small group of friends or church members.
<< make it about buying gifts for those who teach or minister to your child/family this past year.
<< make it about ministering to family members with dinners,
<< attending school/church productions for Christmas. I knew one family years ago who put on their own family Christmas production for those who were invited to Christmas dinner at their house.
<<Christmas traditions of reading the Bible Story of the birth of Jesus with children and family at Christmas .
I think that the list can go on and on for this type of thing. I'm not saying anything here that people do not already know about, but sometimes we forget….
Linda: thanks for the reminders. Never hurts to have things brought to our attention. 🙂